This Monday night, the members of WGFC continued their training on becoming proficient in working with the RIT pack and RIT operations.

The RIT or Rapid Intervention Team uses a special Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA to provide breathing air for a downed firefighter with problems with their own SCBA or who has run out of air. In these situations the RIT team deploys the RIT pack to supplement or provide air to the downed firefighter until they can be removed from the emergency situation.

Tonight’s drill focused on using the RIT pack on a simulated downed firefighter in our training trailer. Teams deployed the RIT pack while in full turnout gear and SCBA under difficult visibility conditions simulates real fire conditions. The WGFC has a trailer parked at the New London Station which can simulate various fire situations, with actual fire and smoke training evolutions.

Though situations requiring this type of response are not common, it is a task that has to be practiced. Fire fighting is a dangerous profession and being able to take care of our own is also a key part of it.

The members of WGFC continue to train to be the best they can to protect our community but also to protect our own first responders!